Paula Blasi visits DMT
Paula Blasi visits DMT after her Vuelta triumph
A few days ago, the incredibly talented Paula Blasi helped write an important chapter in DMT’s long history — and not only in that of her home country. The UAE Team ADQ rider became the first Spanish woman ever to win the Vuelta Femenina, delighting Spanish fans thanks to a spectacular attack on one of cycling’s most iconic climbs, the Alto de l’Angliru.
Blasi achieved the victory wearing DMT’s Pogi’s Superlight, giving the Verona-based company a historic first. Never before had DMT stood on the top step of the podium at a women’s Grand Tour, and the hope is that this will not be the last time, considering Blasi is a rare talent with an exciting future ahead.
Before turning her attention to upcoming goals, Paula visited DMT’s headquarters in Bonferraro di Sorgà together with her managers Alex Carera and Marco Belotti. The visit was an opportunity to tour the company, meet the people behind the development of the shoes and spend time with Federico Zecchetto, who gifted her a special bright-red pair of Pogi’s. The perfect way to celebrate the Red Jersey conquered on the Angliru.
“We first met Paula at The Traka 2025 in Spain through mutual connections linked to our Spanish distributor, who invited her to a DMT activation event for an introductory meeting,” explains Mattia Viel, Global Sponsorship Manager at DMT. “After that, we developed the relationship in a more structured way together with Alex Carera and Marco Belotti from A&J, eventually reaching an official partnership. In the early stages we provided her with several pairs of shoes for testing and, by managing the relationship directly from Italy, we immediately recognised her potential. She felt very comfortable with the products and that’s how the collaboration started. We had been told she had great qualities, but it was difficult to imagine such a rapid rise to the top of cycling. She is incredibly strong on the bike, but also very down-to-earth away from racing: cheerful, energetic and friendly… the perfect ambassador for the brand. For us, maintaining a direct relationship with athletes of this level is essential, both to gather feedback and valuable data for product development and to actively contribute to the growth of women’s cycling, with the goal of always offering the best possible product.”
The Catalan athlete, born in 2003, has only been a professional for around a year. Before that, she competed in duathlon before switching exclusively to cycling following a foot injury. Within just a few months, she quickly proved her talent by first claiming the bronze medal in the U23 race at the World Championships in Rwanda, followed by the U23 European title in France.
This season she has continued to improve race after race, delivering an outstanding Ardennes campaign highlighted by victory at the Amstel Gold Race, third place at La Flèche Wallonne and fifth at Liège-Bastogne-Liège. The perfect build-up to a flawlessly ridden Vuelta, performed with the composure of a seasoned veteran.
Speaking of veterans, Blasi is not the only rider in the group to have chosen DMT shoes. Joining her are Mavi García, who has already announced this will be the final season of her career, and Maeva Squiban, winner of two stages at last year’s Tour de France Femmes. Both were part of the successful Spanish squad that helped Blasi secure the Red Jersey, but it was especially the 42-year-old Mavi who guided the young rider towards victory. A symbolic passing of the torch that also runs through DMT.
“DMT is very special to me. They were my first sponsor and believed in me from day one, when I still had no results, so I feel this Vuelta victory is something I really share with them,” says Blasi. “My idol is Pogačar, so wearing the same shoes as him feels special. The Pogi’s allow me to transfer maximum power to the pedals and, as soon as I tighten the lace, it’s like switching into racing mode. Visiting the company was super interesting — the whole production area is something I’m not used to seeing and it really fascinated me. Now I’m going to enjoy this victory for a little while. I’ve already celebrated with the team and now I’ll relax a bit with my family. But not for too long — I’ll be back racing soon!”